NEMom:

It was very good. Sounds like you did well too. :)

Have a great weekend everyone! Send any unwanted snow to me, lol.

Hi all....30 inches of snow here so I've been snowed in...it isn't so bad, atleast we have power. I haven't been munching out of boredom but not losing weight either..my workout for today will be trying to get my car out from under snow...not easy task and I wonder if it isn't even possible given the snow is up to the hood.....I have to shovel like crazy just to get near it.....should take a few hours, maybe i'll do it in shifts....this should be a real workout, nothing like zumba! ;)

Hello Everyone!

Last week was very stressful at work - but I made it through - and with NO WINE or STARCHY CARBS! Lost 3.5 pounds last week - 1 pound ahead of my goal tracking schedule!! :carrot: Now weighing in at 142.5 :D

Also, the kids and I joined a fitness center - they have expressed an interest, and I want to fuel it - so I've invested the money not only in the membership, but I bought each of us 10 personal training sessions over the next 10 weeks. Not inexpensive - ($24 for each 30 minute session) - - but I want the kids to learn to work out in the right way, and to be motivated by a professional trainer. As for me, I am still running, but I want to learn how to use all of the weight machines, and work a "core" (AKA ABS) routine into the mix. I love running, and just have never found the same fun in lifting weights or doing crunches.....at any rate, we are all excited. :D

I committed to no wine until I hit my goal, but I have to admit I'm entertaining the idea right now. I ran 5K this morning, cleaned the house, ran to the Apple store and got my PC fixed, and bought a size 4 pair of "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" :D If you've never tried them, you should - - they say to buy a size smaller than you really are because they stretch - - they are SOOO comfortable. Expensive, but comfortable. :D

...then I went to the Health Food store, and stocked up on lots of good food for the week, made a vegan chicken salad for my lunches, veggie chili....now doing laundry. :)

I have room in my caloric budget for the wine....just trying to decide if it's worth it. Somehow lighting the fire and celebrating a successful week with a nice Chardonnay seems appropriate and appealing. I DO need to figure out a maintenance plan - just didn't put wine into my personal "program"...so going outside of it seems "bad" - - if I do it, I want it to be CHOICEFUL, and then re-calibrate off again tomorrow....one or let's face it - TWO glasses of wine in 9 days isn't bad....it's if I drink more than that, or go back to using it to relax every evening....I sound like an addict...LOL The same by-the-way, is true for me and starchy carbs - - but THAT one is a downhill spiral for SURE...LOL I know myself too well.

Anyway - I'm really proud of myself, glad my PC is FINALLY fixed, and ready for a better work week!!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend...I'm looking forward to checking in more regularly now!!

Sheila

Its Monday (again). Wish I was HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY but I am so tired. Fighting nodding off at my desk and I have so much work to do.

ZUMBA - OMG 30 inches of snow. It has been so long since we have had that amount and I can say, I don't miss it. The western part of our state did get 3 to 4 FEET this weekend. So happy that missed us. Hope you had fun shoveling, bet your arms are sore. Did you get your car out??

Shelia - WOW! congrats lady on your loss! That is a great loss and I will admit that I am jealous.
Too funny, we took my son and signed him up at a fitness center this weekend too. On Thursday he has his first free session with a personal trainer but I plan to purchase some personal training sessions for him. $24 per 1/2 hour is pretty good. I am thinking (not sure) that it is going to cost me closer to $50 per session but luckily I am only paying for one person not three (ouch). I did not join because I am happy working out in the morning at home. My mom and I are going to start some water aerobics soon but at a different place. He is excited and I need to get my foster son in there to sign him up too so Chris has someone to go with.

My weekend was busy. Food wise it was okay. No binges but too much alcohol on Saturday. Had a good time just drank too much.
As I have mentioned before, my son is having some depression/self confidence issues. I took him to my hairdresser this weekend for a cut and his new style is soo nice. It makes him look like a young man not a boy. It is amazing how much difference a hair stylist can make when they really care about the client and their look. His cuts are not cheap but I have to tell you, seeing how happy my son is over a simple hair cut makes me SOO happy.
Still working on the C25K program. I knew today started 5 min of running (not a lot of time but a lot for me). Before I fell asleep last night I was repeating to myself "Believe you can and you will". Struggled to get out of bed this morning but I made it through the program for today. Really need to work in the positive self talk. It does make a difference.
I need to find some inspirational posters to put around my exercise equipment in the basement to keep me motivated.
Scale is still not moving but I ran for a whole 5 minutes in a row twice this morning so I will call today a win.
Have a great day all!!!

Good morning ladies!

It's time for me to get ready to head out of the day but wanted to quickly jump in here and say hello. It's another new week. We are here and we are trying to do something good for ourselves and I think that is half (or more than!) the battle. Keep it up! :)

Have a great day all!

Happy Monday! :D

My weekend was full of caring for a sick kid. Took her to Urgent Care Saturday morning...sinus infection and pink eye. Oh what fun! I spent a good part of Sunday making valentine cookies. They turned out so cute! I did sugar cookie heart cut-outs (the hearts are about 1.5 inches) sprinkled with red sugar then made a pink cream cheese frosting and sandwiched it between two cookies. They're so cute. Needless to say, I ate more than my proper share of cookies and frosting, which would explain the no loss this morning on the scale. But I was right on plan for the whole week, so I'm not upset. It's life, right? I don't bake often and a chef has to sample her work! It's going to be a busy week and a real challenge to get my exercise in. It's all about priorities.

NEMom: Great ideas for your son. A nice haircut and then a personal trainer...his confidence and mood should be lifting fast! Good for you for staying on plan through all of this! Water aerobics sounds like a good fit. You're rockin' that C25K program! Keep up the hard work!!!

Shiela22: What a great thing you're doing for your kids! Get them in the habit of exercise now and hopefully it will become a lifelong behavior! As for the wine...I'm sure you'll make the best choice for you. I say, if you enjoy it, find a way to keep it in your plan. For me, it's chocolate...literally can't live without it!

Zumbachica: Get your car out? It's been quite a few years since we've had a single snowfall of that magnitude...I know how much work it can be. Glad you have power!!

LuvCats: What is it about Labs and their love for balls? My yellow lab will play ball until his feet bleed (and that probably wouldn't stop him!). Ha! I thought you did mean moving to a new home.

MrsTryingAgain: Your walk sounds great! Glad to hear you got some rain. We're getting small amounts of snow, but not enough to relieve the drought. How's you're DH doing?

newleaf123: Hope you're having another good day...one at a time!

junem: Hope you're having a good day too!

I'm sure I missed one or two...

Oh Moondance, hope your baby girl gets to feeling better soon. The cookies sound delious - Hence, there reason I do not bake, I would be taste testing all the way through.

Food was ok yesterday. Scale is still not moving down, just stuck on the same number. I did exercise this morning but did not really get into it, it was a hard workout if that makes sense.

My son was so fun to talk to last night. I mean, first of all him actually talking to me is huge! But he was so happy with his new hair style and said that he received many compliments on it at school yesterday. I know we still have work to do but man, it is so good to see him smile.

Happy Tuesday all!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy Tuesday! :D

Well NEMom...it's just you and me.. So glad your DS is smiling! It's amazing how much a moms heart bleeds for her child when they're not happy. Maybe I should get a haircut...

OK all you 40-Something ladies...POST!!!

Just a quick check-in to state for all the world to see that you're still on plan to the best of your ability! It helps to keep you accountable to yourself.

Lol still here. Monday is a busy day for me.

Moondance: Tell me about it with labs! I always say I think ours would keep going until she dropped dead. I definitely need to take her out more than I do. She likes to play keep away with the ball too which I think is partially because we don't get out and play nearly as much as we should. Ha ha get it back though and she is 100% focused on the person with the ball and nothing else. Hope your sick one is better. Cookies sound yummy! :)

NEMom: I'm with you on the baking cookies! I couldn't possibly consider it right now. It is hard enough when DD makes muffins. They smell so delectable! Cookies would be 100% worse!

I understand about the hard workout. I have those days. I've set myself a minimum I have to reach on those days. Recently pushed that min. up a little higher now that I'm achieving longer results. It sure feels good AFTER I've got through that minimum. Just recently I started mixing things up by adding Wii Fit in to the mix. Granted the time I'm counting is the steady walking/running/stepping parts for longer periods of time not the short little games. Keep it up you can do it!! :)

@ Moondance - re: new haircut. Just don't decide to cut your own bangs cause you watch ONE youtube video and think "I can SO do this - it's easy". And IF you do...don't cut them wet. So many things went wrong...so glad it's cold outside since I wore a hat everywhere I went last week...to include keeping in on once inside the store. :o

I am still on plan with food and exercise. I haven't slipped once since I started on 10Dec - not even on my birthday back in January! I started @ 180.6, 37.6% bodyfat, 112.6 lean body. Now at 158.8, 25.9% and 117.6 LBM. On my way toward BF<20%! The bonus to the weight lifting is that my measurements at 158 are the same as they used to be at 150!

I'm exhausted from shovelling snow today and then 2 hour workout this evening with hubby. Bedtime for us!

Hope all are well and warm!

Sorry I've been MIA...had to work all weekend & then my computer was on the blink. joy.
Things are going along okay. I think they could be better, but it's probably just that I feel a little PMS-y. :( I stubbed the holy heck out of my little toe again (perhaps broken?). It has been really painful so work hasn't been easy. I'd almost like to chop the little sucker off...only place my toes is happy is in my slippers or in nothing at all. Makes it a little hard to help customers, but I've been working on healthy.
H is still having problems. He's blacked out a few times. He's been feeling out of sorts. He slept nearly all day. I can't wait for him to see the cardiologist. His appt. is in 10 days!!! FINALLY!!!

Moondance: Sorry about your daughter's infections. Pink eye is horrible. Sinus infections are horrible. Hope she gets well soon. Hope there isn't an outbreak of pink eye at her school. We had it try to run rampant at a summer camp I worked at.

NEMom: Glad your son seems to be doing better. I've thought about the 2 of you often over the last few days. Keep up the excellent work. It isn't always easy, but it's sooooo worth it!!!

I'm hoping that tomorrow that I'll be able to go for a walk. I'm feeling a little cooped up for some reason. I think it's because work has been a real drag...had to do inventory, what a dirty, sweaty & (with my boss) THANKLESS job.

:hug::hug::hug: TO YOU ALL! HOPE YOU HAVE A HEALTHY WEDNESDAY! :hug::hug::hug:

MrsTryingAgain-OMG, I am so sorry about your hubby. The black outs would scare the daylights out of me. I am counting down the 10 days with you!! Ouch, I hope your toe gets better. That does not sound good at all!

Moondance - Hope your daughter is feeling a little better and the doctor gave her some good meds.

2FatCats - Congrats on your loss. I bet your feeling great! Two hour work outs - I would drop dead.

Life here is Eh. Food and exercise is on track. Scale not moving, trying not to get too down. I generally lose in cycles and I know this but after trying so hard it gets frustrating not to see it go down darn it.

Its Hump day. Hope you all have a great one!!!

Hello Everyone!

Working from home this morning - getting the garage door fixed and waiting for the guys to show up. I hate it when they give you a "range" of time, then call and say they are going to be 30 minutes later than the "range" previously provided...:mad: At any rate, it's nice sitting on my couch and not at my desk this morning. I've got the fireplace lit, and just doing some emails from my PC. Will head into the office around 10:30 (hopefully!)

Had another blind date last night - I really don't think the universe intends for me to be with anyone right now. Nice guy, older (reminded me of my DAD - which was a turn off)...but definitely a heavy drinker. I had wine last night to be social - only a couple of glasses and I have a headache today...it just isn't worth it. But I definitely know I don't want a man who over-drinks....he ordered TWO bottles of wine with dinner - and I only had two small glasses! Then he was talking about scotch, vodka, cigars....very wealthy man, which when I was younger would have been a positive thing. Now, I'm going for QUALITY. :D

(sigh) - so, back to square one - but I think with every date I learn something about myself and also refine what I do and don't want in a life partner...hopefully someday my prince charming will surface! :D

143.5 this morning, and TOM....UH! I feel bloated and crappy (no doubt the wine last night also contributes)....am going to pack my lunch - a piece of grilled salmon, then some fresh cherries and almond milk yogurt (which is FABULOUS) - for an afternoon snack so I can get on the treadmill before dinner when I get home tonight. That's the other thing I've noticed about drinking - when I don't, I feel SOOOO much better in the morning - motivated, and energetic. If I do have wine I wake up sluggish and feeling yucky....again - not worth it.

I have a meeting with my "boss" at 11. Am going to ask permission to take the kids somewhere for spring break - wish me luck...I think he'll say yes...it will definitely motivate me to reach my goal weight!!! And heaven knows I need a vacation!!

Well - I'm going to go back to emails. Hope everyone has a great day!
Sheila

@ Sheila
I applaud you for getting out there in the dating world! I said something similar about my exH ...at least I know what I DON'T want! It took me about 7 years of sifting through a lot of chaff to find 'the one'. Keep trying - there is someone out there that will love you for you!
Speaking of what we wanted as a younger version - I found an old notebook from when I was 16 in which I wrote down everything I wanted in a man. Sheesh. It's funny to read how important looks and money were to a 16 year old! Patience wasn't on there but I don't know where I'd be if DH didn't have ALOT!:D

@NEMom I would drop, too! 2 hours includes 15 warm-up, 15 cool down and rest time between weight sets. My hubby and I do it together too, so there is a lot of weight plate changes, etc. Also - glad your son is opening up!

More snow today. I am SO ready for the sunshine and warm weather. My growing season is so short that I buy seeds and start them indoors around mid-Feb to give my garden a jumpstart. Sadly, around here, the 'rule' is never to put plants in the ground until AFTER Mother's Day. A few Aprils ago we had 2 feet of snow on Easter. February is the month I always ask myself WHY oh WHY do we live so far North?

NEMom I love your new avatar!! You look great! $24 / 30 min with the trainer is much better than the rate at my gym, where it's $47 / 30 min. I take my boys to my hairdresser, too. The cuts are so much better than when DH takes them to Super Cuts! Sounds like your running is coming along nicely. Glad to read that your son's mood seems to be improving :hug:

Sheila22 Sounds like joining the gym and hiring the personal trainer for the kids is a great plan. It's wonderful when the kids show an interest. My younger son wanted some of my portabella mushroom quinoa sautee over the weekend. Who would have thought?? How are you doing with the wine? ... ... Okay, read your latest post. Sounds like a dud of a date last night; 2 bottles of wine for 2 people?? Definitely a red flag...

Moondance I hope your child is doing better; glad it was nothing too serious. Your Valentines cookies sound so cute!

LuvCats hi!

2fatCats Sounds like you are doing great! I've had the experience -- my measurements at 161 are *so much lower* than my measurements at 158 the last time around. And this is it. There will be no more "last time arounds". This *is* the last time! Sounds like for you, too. I'm looking forward to Spring, too. I don't do much re: vegetables, but I do a ton re: annual flowers. Some plants, some seeds. A lot of fun!

MrsTryingAgain I hope you made it out for your walk today; glad your DH's appointment is finally on the horizon. And none too soon!


Here, all is good. I continue trying on my hiking pants every Tuesday and they continue to fit a tinch better than the last time. After I finish writing here, I'm going down to the basement to use the elliptical. I meant to go to the gym today, but I'm bored with my food, decided to make an Asian-sort of pork stew with cinnamon & anise, which resulted in a run to the not-so-nearby Asian market this morning. I was able to pick up my favorite green tea (genmai cha), which they were out of the last time I was there. I just finished a cup, and it was so nice to have it back in my repertoire again!

Okay, it's Lent. I'm not Catholic, but I thought what the heck I'll give something up. Can't hurt, right? I have a guilty pleasure...those trashy tv talk shows (Steve Wilkos, Jeremy Kyle, Maury). Well, for Lent I'm giving those up! Instead of watching those I'm going to read, clean out my closet, do other spring cleaning...basically ANYTHING but watch those. I know it's not much, but I realized that I was WASTING hours watching those dumb things!! The tv can stay OFF. Wish me luck...I wish luck to anyone else giving up something for Lent.

Walk in the park. Awesome! Now to do the laundry. I'm so excited. Hope everyone has a healthy Wednesday!

newleaf: I LOVE tea! I drink a Spicy Chai. Green tea is awesome, too. I just wish my hubby liked it. Oh, well. Hope you got your eliptical time in!! :)

2FatCats: Wish I could cyberly send you some of our CA sunshine. It's nice out today...bout 60 out. Course I DO NOT look forward to the 100+ weather that is coming this summer. UGH!! What are you going to grow? I wish we didn't live in an apt. so we could have a garden. :(

Sheila: You know I found my hubby when I was NOT looking. It is OKAY to be without someone. Far better than being with the WRONG someone. Remember, you are awesome & you deserves someone who is ALSO awesome. Yes, your "prince" is out there & he'll show up when you are BOTH ready. For now, focus on health, fun & being true to yourself. GOOD LUCK! Hope you & the kids get to take a vaca! Let us know how it goes!!! :crossed:

NEMom: Toe is better. Just have to stay away from anything I can stub it on! Yeah, right! ;) Yup H's blackouts are scary but I'm hoping they'll soon be a thing fo the past. I've let my boss know that if the cardiologist wants to put in his pacemaker like right after his appt. on the 22nd, IT WILL HAPPEN. I'm tired of worrying...knowing I can't do a thing about it. But the end is in sight, I hope! Hope all is well with your son. I keep sending possitive thoughts to you guys.

Well, I better get something done. Dirty socks are calling me. :rolleyes:

:drill::drill::drill: HERE'S TO HEALTHY WEDNESDAY!!! GO GIRLS!!!! GO!!! GO!!! GO!!! :drill::drill::drill:

P.S. Had an NSV!! The new jeans I bought are already loose! Not so loose that I have to get a smaller size, but I definitely needed a belt with them!! :lol:

I got permission to go on vacation!!! :D

WOO HOO!!! :carrot::carrot:

...uh, now just need to find the money to book it. LOL. Doesn't matter where we go though - I just want some time off and with my kids!!!

Definitely a "down" day - - TOM, bad date night last night, Valentine's day tomorrow (alone)....anyway - definitely need to get out of the funk I'm feeling.

Going to try to find a comedy on TV. Need something good for the spirit. :D

Newleaf - Good luck with your garden. I am so envious of anyone who can grow things and enjoy it. I do not garden or grow flowers. I have a brown thumb, water is really expensive where I live and I feel like I have enough work inside the house, I really do not want to have to do extra work outside too but boy I love fresh cucumbers.

MrsTrying = WOO HOO on your NSV - Love it when new pants start to get loose. It is a tangible sign that all your hard work in paying off. Thank you for your kind words about my son. We have the first meeting with a PT tonight, hope he gets excited about it. Sending good thoughts your way, really hope he gets the medical help he needs soon!

Shelia - Sorry your date did not go so well. Good for you for putting yourself out there and continuing to try, you will find someone great just when you are ready to give up. I am also happy to hear that you are taking the kids on a vacation. How fun!!

Happy Valentines Day! My hubby works nights but when I got up this morning he had left me a card, a single rose, a few Hersey kisses and some chocolate covered strawberries. It was such a surprise and so sweet.
Food was not great last night and I had a couple of liquid donuts, of course the scale is not moving and I am getting down. I need to put the scale away and only weigh once a week, I know this, but every morning I still hop on hoping for a loss. The fat does not want to leave me and I want it to go away!
I took tomorrow off work. My hubby, my FIL and I are going to South Dakota to look for a summer home. Hubby and FIL love to fish and I finally got a jet ski, actually we have 3 now and so we want somewhere we can get away and have some fun in the summer. We use to camp a lot but sold our camper last summer. I am ready for summer and to go play on the water.
I am not really looking forward to the 3 hour car ride with my FIL. Love the guy but he is a chain smoker and I know it is going to make me crave a reg. cig bad.

Have a wonderful weekend all!!!

I'm still here - Finally the scale moved down today! Bam - a 3 pound loss, after weighing the same for over a month. I am beaming! But man, it was hard work, getting those pounds to go. I've been really strict with the calories, and doing an hour on the treadmill, plus trying to get in an hour of walking outside or at the stores. And no wine all week. Tonight, my hubby is taking me out for dinner, and I know there will be wine, and dessert. Plus the kids and grandkids are coming for the weekend, so I know there will be meals out and snacks I wouldn't normall eat. Hopefully not enough to undo my progress!

NE Mom - how exciting that you're buying a summer home! I'd love to do that someday, but mine would be on a beach somewhere, probably Florida. Good luck with the car trip. Keep that electronic cig handy!

Sheila22 - glad to hear your vacation was approved! Where are you thinking of going?

Mrs.TryingAgain - Good for you, giving up the trash tv. I made a similar deal with myself. I love to read, but I can only read if I'm on the treadmill. Gets me walking more miles, if I have a good book to read while I'm on there. Glad your hubby has a date for his pacemaker procedure. Hang in there!

2FatCats - we have the same growing season as you. It kills me, seeing all the gorgeous flowers in the store - and knowing I can't buy any. Not sure why the stores start carrying flowers and plants so early, when no one here can plant them in March. I guess that way they get to sell them twice, when people have to come back and get more after theirs freeze!

Have a good Valentine's day everyone - like I tell my kids, "Make good choices today!"

NewLeaf - your Asian pork stew sounds delicious! Yay about the hiking pants fitting better every week. That's progress!

Happy Valentines Day to All!:val1:

Hubby and I have no special plans. I am incredibly lucky since he is the all-year-round romantic type.

Since I have started cooking healthy (and without sodium) I have discovered tons of ways to fancy up a chicken breast. I would never eat anything but chicken if I could get away with it. Hubby, however, swears I am trying to make him cluck ...so I made him a deal. On workout days - no chicken. He may wish for chicken after he tastes tonight's creation! I am trying a new recipe with pork loin chops with a pomegranate pan sauce. He wasn't overly fond of the fresh cranberry/lime/cilantro salsa I made to go with the last batch of pork. :D And he is pretty sure I am out to get him if I so much as bring a sweet potato into the house. I sneak them in and eat them for lunch when he's at work!

LindaWW :bunny2: on the loss!

NEMom Yea on the Summer Home! As cold as it is here - think I would rather have a Winter home...in Italy.:D

Sheila Vacation! Yay! I got an email today from groupon for vacations- never used them but they sound like good deals. The regular groupon things are great!

Mrs I don't watch trashy tv but I do soak in the bathrub every night and read trashy paperback novels. Hubby wants a tv in the bathroom so he can soak AND watch tv. Sigh. Re: gardening My yard isn't huge but I have a small garden patch and I do a lot of container and vertical gardening.
There is also a stretch between my neighbors driveway and the side of my house that is going to be a pumpkin patch this year. They are gone from Sep-May so they told me they don't care. I'm growing a lot of peppers, cukes, zukes, tomatoes, onions, herbs, squash and pumpkins. There are lots of things you can grow in a pot, too.

NewleafCongrats! Re: they continue to fit a tinch better than the last time. Is that a tiny pinch? A tiny inch? No matter, I'm gonna borrow that word! :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

I just came home from the salon - spent Valentine's evening with my hairdresser...LOL. What a depressing day when you're single. :(

Anyway, I'm home now - changed into comfy clothes, lit the fireplace and am enjoying some Valentine's wine on my own (I know, I know...liquid doughnut, but I'm indulging)...;)

NE Mom - South Dakota - awesome!!! My sister lived in Fargo for about 5 years - I went up to visit her - it was AWESOME!!!! And do NOT cave!! Use the e-cig, buy gum, you can do this!!! :D

2FatCats - I LOVE your deal with your hubby!!! That's AWESOME!!! LOL

LindaWW - congratulations on your 3 pound loss!! WOO HOO!!!! :carrot::carrot::carrot: Keep up the awesome work!! You inspire the rest of us!!!!

Well - I'm going to find a chick flick to feed my depressive Valentine's Day mood...LOL. Actually I think I'm going to watch the movie "Valentine's Day" - there's a girl on there that has an "I hate Valentine's Day" party - (she ends up meeting someone in the end - - there IS hope!! :D)

Thank goodness tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!

Out of town so I'm not keeping up here like I would... keep up the good work everyone.

So far good here... staying OP and walked a lot today.

Healthy day. Walked in the park. I love to do that because it always lifts H's spirits. And when his spirits are lifted, mine follow suit.

Have to work early all this weekend. :( Oh, well. Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's day. I did okay. A co-worker brought in a whole jumbo jar of Hershey's kisses. :mad: UGH! I however only had 2. That for me was great considering anything filled with candy & open around me is usually EMPTY when I get around it.

Let me share with you some photos I took while on my walks yesterday & today. ENJOY!!!

http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...pscb1844f0.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4c68d703.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...pse98a58ef.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...ps529c2f5e.jpg
http://i1323.photobucket.com/albums/...psc601ef22.jpg

Gotta head to bed. 6AM comes awfully early. :yawn::yawn:
:dust::dust::dust::dust: for you all!!!
I'll catch up with you all as time permits over this weekend. BE HEALTHY! BE GOOD! :hug::hug::hug:

Ughhhhhhhhh. Why is it so easy to slip back into old behaviors??? Enough said...

Greetings Ever Bodies!

I can NOT believe it's mid-Feb already. I've been drinking from the fire hose while burning the candle at both ends. ExHauSted. Annnnd the stress is affecting my weight loss. Ugh :(.

Well...I had my 3 month birthday, so I spose I should pause and reflect. 20lbs lost. But all lost in the 1st 2 months; nothing this month. I'm quite sad & frustrated about that. Good news is...I am not gaining it back, and I AM NOT GIVING UP! The food/eating is AOK, but Exorcise is taking a back seat to everything else. And I know I need to alter my clock so I eat more in the morning and less later in the day. Sooooo.......

Spent VD at work until almost 10pm, early for me these days. TH bought flowers...white carnations & white daiseys with a few red carnations. I told him the bouquet looked like it was on its period. 'T' sometimes stands for 'Turdy', not 'Trophy'....like last weekend when we had a mini blowup....Over nothing....And of course, with the stress and tiredness and Major TOM arriving, I got down in the dumps more than I should have. Men :dizzy:. Shiela22...how you can go on a blind date ON A SCHOOL NIGHT (!) is a mystery to me. I figure, I've got patience enough for only one significant other. I couldn't bear the thought of having to train a new one! ha! Seriously, thanks for sharing your dating stories. You and Zumba keep me young! Your date sounded like an episode of Mad Men....we're into the 2nd season of that series (my only special treat these days) and we're really enjoying it. Tho, all the drinking and smoking (and sexism) on the show makes my stomach queasy. My DS12 hit the VD jackpot....(ok that does sound very very wrong!). Several valentines, some from 'Secret Admirer'. I arrived home to find him lifting weights in my room! Oh No! Heeeeere we go.....!

Glad everyone's little ones are doing better. Oh! Oh! Oh!....Speaking of vacations....I need some advice...I have a use-it-or-lose-it airline refund. Where can we go on a quick vacation? Somewhere warm and beachy, not out of the country, and not too expensive. Any suggestions? I just don't know when I will have time to even think about a vacation.

Too tired for a focused train of thought, so I'll sign off. HOLD ON TO THOSE WAISTBANDS, LADIES!!!!

UGH! Busy weekend at work...glad that is over. I was over on my eating...TOM decided to show up. :mad: Now everything makes more sense. I was craving all sorts of salt, starch & sweets. I was really hoping I was starting menopause. Oh,well.
I had my 2 days off from exercise. The way my boss has my schedule set up is that my "days off" from walking are the weekends...I have to be to work early 30. I'll get my walk in tomorrow AM though. :)

SeeMyFeet: Go some place you thought you'd never make it to. I'd find out what my options were, pick my favorites & go from there. DEFINITELY USE IT! I'd LOVE to go on vacation...maybe after H gets his pacemaker. I'd hate him to have issues or not be able to enjoy to the fullest extent. Let us know what you decide!!! I'm soooo excited for you!

newleaf: Old habits? Because we are human. We fall back on to them in times of stress, crisis, boredom... Forget about slipping up. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself up. Try again. Remember it's a journey.

FatCats: Like your new profile pic! I could add my Agatha to it! She'd fit right in...if she wasn't such a prima donna & didn't like to share. She'll share the bed with me for only a couple of reasons...I feed her, pet her & brush her. :lol: Yes, I am HER SERVANT!
Yeah, my hubby is pretty much a year round romantic too. Not so much in gifts but in doing things for me, being with me. Did I ever mention he is an awesome cook? Yeah, he's had to change up many of his cooking ways with us needing to eat much healthier, but he's still really good in the kitchen.

Linda: CONGRATS on your loss! That is AWESOME!! :bravo: Hope you enjoyed your weekend with your family. It sounds like a lotta fun.

NEMom: Don't be a slave to your scale. Remember it is a tool. You're probably thinking...YEAH! In more than one way!!! :lol: Go ahead put it away for awhile. I've given up on my scales for awhile...probably til I know exactly WHEN H will get his pacemaker. I just can't seem to loose. It's okay though! I just have to eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of H2O & pop in here to get support & be supportive. Focus on your journey. Remember technologyu is only here to frustrate us! ;)

'Kay. I'm really sleepy. It's only about a 1/4 to nine but I'm beat. I think it's time for a shower & bed. This means I'll be able to get up early, make H & I something heathy for breakfast, go for a nice long walk & get ready to go back to the place that holds my paycheck hostage.

:drill::drill: BE HEALTHY!!! BE KIND TO YOURSELF!!! BE THE AMAZINGLY AWESOME WOMEN OF THE 40-SOMETHING BOARD I KNOW YOU ARE!! GO!!!! GO!!!! GO!!!! :drill::drill:

:dust::dust::dust::dust::dust: to get you started in a new week!

Quick check-in before I hit the road....

This weekend at my folks has gone well eating/exercise wise. Not as much exercise as I'd like but we've done some walking each day. Now have to make it through next weekend (also here) then VEGAS!!

Hope each and every one of you have a wonderful day! Keep up the good work! :)

MrsTryingAgain awesome pics, thanks for sharing, what a great place you have to walk, I'm jealous of your grass, ours is mostly covered with snow!!! :D

SeeMyFeet keeping it off is huge! think of it as practice for maintenance when you get to your goal! :D

and both of you, thanks for the smiles, you guys are great

:sunny:

Everybody is so busy. I am glad you all take a minute to check in and let me know how your doing!

Thanks for your encouragement Mrs.Trying. I have put my scale away until this Friday. I was off plan for the past three days. Did not eat too bad Friday and Saturday but Sunday was awful! I am also off track on the C25K program. I did exercise this morning but did not do the program on Friday and today. I will start back on Tuesday and try for every other day this week.
We did find a house in South Dakota. Hoping to close mid April and will get to have our first holiday weekend in May there. We are very excited! It is a great place to spend time with our family and have fun.
Have a great Monday all! We are suppose to get lots of snow this week. Ick.

Happy Monday! :D

Friday I spent two hours composing a long, thought out post with personal replies to everyone (while watching 2 tv shows). Then one wrong click of the mouse and the tab with all my typing was gone! I was so mad & sad I haven't been back since. :tantrum::cry:

This week is going to be CRAZY so I know I won't have time for personals. But know I'm reading every day and cheering you all on! My happiness is a 4 pound whoosh this morning. Well, it's been going down all week, but today is my official weigh-in. Down to 192.

Keep on it, ladies! And keep checking in!

I need to give a shout out to ZUMBA- Could you keep the snow where you are, please?? They are predicting 2 feet of snow here Wed/Thursday. It has been a LONG time since we have had that much snow at one time. I live in a small town and will be snowbound for a day or two. Just hope we do not lose power. Actually, I hope the storm misses us and we do not end up with that much snow.

Food yesterday was within calorie range. Completed week 4 for C25K this morning. Using the treadmill so it will be interesting to see how long I can run for when the weather is nice and can get outside and give it a go.

Not in a great mood today. Totally PMSing and in a bad mood.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

Ladies,

I have been incognito for about 5 months :(. In that time I have gained 12 unwanted pounds of fat back. Yesterday I wrote a contract to myself. It is 5 pages so I wont bore you with the details. I will just say that being here and reading other stories that are similiar to mine and having a place to come and say what is on your mind is what helped me through the first part of my weightloss journey. I know how important it is for me to stay here, read here, write here, listen here. I am accountable only to myself but having you all here sure does help the process and it sure makes it easier. So here is part of my contract to myself This is my contract to myself. It is embarassing to share so much detail of what is going on in my life but I have to I have to be honest. I have to get it out there and I have to move forward....

Today is February 18, 2013.
I have clear goals set for myself this year – from today until Nov 18th. I have drive, I have motivation, I have time and I have the skills needed. This is my year to change me on the inside and out. I am done feeling sad, stuck, lonely and overweight. I only have this one life and it has been miserable lately. This year I will do whatever it takes to meet people, to make friends, to join goups. I have to get rid of Tina as a friend. She is not the type of person I need to be around. I don’t want to feel miserable anymore. I don’t want to feel like a failure anymore I don’t want to feel like a victim anymore. I don’t want to be in relationships anymore that are not mutually beneficial, I don’t want to give everything to someone and not have it given back. I don’t want to be in the same place as I am today in 12 months. I am done with all of it. I can and will make the changes that I have stated in this contract to myself. I will not give up until I have some good solid end results for myself have been accomplished. For my life, for my future. One other thing I will work on is buying a house by the water. I will own my beachouse outright on a small island where there is community where I feel like home. where I can live the rest of my life in peace hearing the ocean waves as I go to bed every night.
Goals:
 March 18th 262
 April 18th 252
 May 18th 242
 June 18th 232
 July 18th 222
 August 18th 212
 Sept 18th 202
 October 18th 192
 November 18th 182
 Dec 18th 172
To do this I am committing to myself
• Follow Walk-Run Program M,W, F 40-45 min of walking running, Sat. is a long run
• T,Th Arms, Legs, Back, Shoulders through P90x
• Eat 5 bars per day Plus one meal
• Drink 1 diet soda per day
• Drink 90 oz of water per day
• I will not eat out
• I will not pass by candy in the office and say its ok to eat just one piece
• I will have self-control. I will not fail at this. I will practice self-control every single moment of every single day….
• I can do this. I have gone without sweets for months at a time at other points in my life. I have to practice control with this each time I walk by and want to grab something.
• During this time I will continue to budget my money and pay off the IRS. My goal is to get this lien off my credit this year and find a new happiness in my work. I can’t do that with this hanging over my head and need to focus on the goals I have set from Jan 31t to July 23rd. I will pay the IRS off, make a deal with them or do whatever I have to do to make this happen.
• In August I will go on a vacation
• I will not take anything from work personally. I am doing the best that I can for this job and if it’s not good enough well that is there issue not mine. Part of my problem has always been I take this **** way to personally.
Finally I will work hard at getting my business off the ground. Now is the time. Its been put in my path and I have the resources I need to get it done so I can work for myself.

mrsTryingAgain I finally got to see the photos from your walk. They look great!!

Decent day. Got to sleep in! Woo Hoo! Had to walk indoors (the mall) because we were having wacky weather...rain, snow, hail even a small tornado about 25 miles from us.
H had a couple episodes today. :( I really can't wait for Friday to get here! It's going to be a really, really busy day that day. H has 2 appts. one with his regular physician & the other with the cardiologist. Yes, it's just the preliminary visit, but I'm hoping he'll schedule H for his pacemaker ASAP!!!

kelijpa & newleaf: That's why I share my photos. I know many of you are stuck in snow & that you are really ready for spring. If I can't send you sunshine via the internet maybe I can warm you with photos from No. CA.

sept2012: Sound like a well thought out plan! I wish you best of luck! It's great to have a plan to keep yourself accountable. Please keep us up to date on how it's going. WE CAN HELP you stay motivated.

NEMom: Ah, if only it were that easy to keep bad weather at bay. :lol: Glad you're keeping up with C25K program. Hope all is well with you & your son. Yes, spring will be here soon. Do you realize that Eater is less than 6 weeks away?? CRAZY!!! :dizzy:
BTW I know what you mean about PMS...mine raised HE77 with me last week. UGH!! :(

Moondance: Congrats on the loss!!! Time a happy dance!!! :dancer::dancer::dancer:

:drill::drill: Hope that everyone has a great remainder of the week! I'll check in as time allows! BE HEALTHY!!! BE HAPPY!!! ROCK BEING A 40-SOMETHING!!! GO!!! GO!!! GO!!! :drill::drill:

Hi Everyone!
I got through the weekend with my kids and grandkids here. And I'm happy to say I did well for the most part on my diet. Friday night we went out to a casino for a seafood buffet, and I only had crab legs and salad. (well, and a couple glasses of wine, but I budgeted my calories for them) Boy, I guess crab has a lot of sodium, because the next day my weight was up FOUR POUNDS! The rest of the weekend I was good, and stayed within my calories, drank a ton of water, and walked an hour each day. 3 of those 4 pounds are now back off, and we managed to have just as much fun even if we didnt' eat and drink a ton. That's something I'm realizing has been so ingrained in me - family fun usually revolves around special food, and snacking. I see it now, and realize that we don't always have to have super-high fat foods and drinks to enjoy each other's company. Now to try to let my kids see that, and help them think similarly so we can all be healthier. None of my kids have weight problems yet, and I sure don't want them to. Anyway, we had a great time, and I have to tell you, my grandkids are the cutest you've ever seen! :)

Hope everyone is having a good week. We're supposed to get a big snowstorm tomorrow, so I hit the store and stocked up on healthy foods today. No excuses for not eating right for this chick this week!

Sept2012-Looks like you have a good plan in place. Remember to to allow yourself some treats. I found being too strict with myself leads to my downfall. I wish you all the best and remember we are here to support you!

MrsTrying - I really really hope they help your DH on Friday. You both have waited long enough for him to get the medical attention he needs. I am so impressed with your dedication to walking. If you can't walk outside you find a way to do it inside. I would probably just forget it. Good for you!!!

Linda - I am glad that you had a good weekend and visit with your grandkids. We are expecting a snow storm here tomorrow also. They can't make up their mind how much we are suppose to get but its all I heard about on the news this week.

Foodwise things were good yesterday. Kept it within calorie range. Still holding off until Friday to weight. I have not seen the scale go down in a couple of weeks and am scared to get on and not see a loss again.

Hope you all have a wonderful hump day!!!

Morning All,

Sept2012: Good Plan! Totally realistic and doable!

MrsTrying: Good luck on Friday with DH. Hope it is as stress-free as it can be!

LindaWW: Don't get me started about sodium...I have to stay under 1500mg a day and I tell ya - it was quite an adjustment - food just tastedbland and blah for a long long time. AND I gave up artificial sweeteners, too.
Did the salad have dressing? That's a culprit, too.

NEMom: Congrats on the SD house! Love love love peri and PMS...NOT. TMI: last time was 14 days of active TOM. Lovely...anemia here I come. Still waiting on a surgery date for the HTA.

SeeMyFeet: 20 pounds in 3 months is still awesome - and just like someone else said - think of the last month as maintence. Especially with your work atmosphere!

So: Now is the time of year when they start putting out my most favorite food(using the term loosely) of all. I was walking through the store and started to turn down an aisle and saw them - row after row of pink, blue, yellow and purple PEEPS! I LOVE them. Fresh, slightly dried out, even microwaved for a few seconds to get them gooey and even more fantastic. I even have a favorite color - the bunnies in purple. I really would like to eat them all. But I won't. Peeps purchased: Zero.
:bunny2:
Hubby worked late last night so I was bored. I have a stack of bottoms that I try on periodically (doesn't everyone?) so I figured what the heck. The size 10 jeans all fit - but if I was a guy - the 8s would show you my religion... not pretty. But I did get them up and zipped with only a minor muffin top! So I moved on to the shorts pile. At the end of last summer I bought a bunch of shorts on sale - they didn't fit at ALL but I figured I would lose some weight and they would be perfect for summer 2013. Much to my surprise they are all too big already. And hopefully will be WAY too big by summer! Yippee! I'll probably still wear them, though...I really don't like fitted/restrictive clothes. If only I had stopped my fashion show right then and there...there was absolutely no reason to try on the bathing suit from 10 years ago. Guess there is NO WAY I am eating those peeps. when I see them - I just have to think of the bathing suit and how my thighs look a little like peeps themselves.:o

You know those signs companies have that read: X days without accident, injury, etc. I think I'm starting one. That way if I should be out and about and have a moment of Peep weakness I can remember that if I do, I'll have to change my days since to zero. I like to quantify things....:D
So:
Total Days:73
Days without incident: 73

Okay, I need to go back and read the last few pages of chat to get caught up. But I have to say this:

2FatCats LOL re the Peeps!! I used to be the same way about the (very specifically) Necco brand of Conversation Hearts at Valentines Day. The Brachs brand, meh. But the Necco??? Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh. But they aren't on the market any more -- a very sad fact, that ultimately makes me very happy. Crisis averted, ad infinitum. Now to get those Peeps taken off the market, then you'll be the same way!

I love this idea. I am going to add it to mine too just so you know I am saying I am starting over as of Feb 18th (even though I really started in July, but I can't go back and count my "incidents" hahahaha)

So...
Total Days: 2
Days without incident 0

:( I had m&m's two days even though it was a VERY small amount I still had them. I don't want to go back to zero either so I am with ya...

:wave:Hello 40-somethings!

I'm a newbie ... but I am definitely 40+. Isn't 40 the new 30 now anyway? I've just got to get serious about dropping the poundage so I feel 30 again! So many of the successes and reached goals I see here in this forum are very inspiring.

I do have one question though... HOW DO I GET A COOL TICKER??? :listen: